Not Guilty of Books

  SLEIGHING SAGE Shore Thing - Book 5.5 by Jaclyn Quinn Release Date: December 26, 2023 Review This was absolutely perfect.  I was so sad when I thought we’d already had the last of Shore Thing book.  This series is absolutely one of my favourite best-friends series.  Jaclyn perfectly captures brother like best friends. They are sweet, kind, supportive and loving but also tease each other endlessly, and I love every minute of it.  It’s also got my favourite parts of small-town story life - tight-knit community, plenty of gossip and quirky town folks. I didn’t realize how much I needed this wedding in my life. Set during the holidays we get to see all our guys and their family. But most all Levi, gah, my heart. That boy needed this wedding! It was also great to be reminded about how perfect they are for each other. And just how wonderful Sage is. There were plenty of laughs, but also so many great tender moments, folks stepping up for the people they love, and a ...

  UNLOVED The Unlucky Ones - Book Two by Marley Valentine Release Date: December 21, 2023 Review Marley’s bio should read - “I’ll gift you a couple of books a year, and they will wreck you. And you will thank me for being the writing sorcer that I am.” Because you will, at the end of the tears and heartbreak, when she pieces your heart back together again, you will thank her. As I started reading, Unwanted (Book One) came flooding back to me and I immediately wanted to wrap them all up in a hug because we knew they were in for a bumpy ride. Lennox has felt abandoned too many times in his life, and now his entire life is about to change. But in a silver lining, it brings his brother home, and more importantly, brings Sam and Rhys and him together. Despite Rhys’ struggles, he’s a breath of fresh air in a tense and emotional situation. And Sam is such a wonderful pitbull, ready to protect Lennox and never leave his side, and even love him from afar if necessary. This is full of emotio...

  PINOT & PINEAPPLE LUMPS Southern Lights - Book Four by Jay Hogan Release Date: March 18, 2021 Audio Release Date: December 14, 2023 Review Narrator Gary Furlong is such a great partner in bringing Jay’s book to life. They are a wonderful pairing, and it’s always a treat to listen to him. Pinot & Pineapple Lumps was an anticipated book for those who have read the previous stories.  We’ve been invested in Kurt finding his happiness and someone to love him. He’s been forced to find wisdom only someone who has seen some sh** can. He’s had to find a way to fight for happiness, and finding the older Penn who understands some of what he’s been through is the perfect fit. Theirs is a beautiful relationship that grew through compassion and patience.  Jay has handled the topics of mental illness and complicated familial relationships with great compassion and care. It all made for a touching story. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Penn from Adelaide. That’s al...

  HEALING THE TWIN Forestville Silver Foxes - Book Three by Nora Pheonix Release Date: December 29, 2023 Review Well, that was an awkward start! LOL Given me broken, hurting silver foxes any day of the week. They’re my kryptonite. And Tomas, oh my, this man has been experiencing and existential crises since his twin decided to retire. Now he’s feeling untethered and lost. He made me tear up more than once. But not to be left behind, Fir, brought more than a few tears to the story himself. So much love and pain from the death of his husband. I loved the turn of events where Fir was ready to get it on, but Playboy Tomas was trying to be cautious.  Fir had to know that friends with benefits with your longtime crush had no chance of being just that. I really enjoyed how careful they were with one another, and the friendship they showed first and foremost. And of course, Fir’s two boys were wonderful. I love how exasperated they were with his Dadness.  Keep the silver foxes co...

  WINNING THE SEASON Miami Piranhas - Book Four by Beth Bolden Release Date: December 1, 2022 Audio Release Date: December 8, 2023 Review I think we’ve collectively been excited to get Asa’s story. Head coach and defender of LGBT people in football - you had to know it was going to be good. Seven years ago, best friends Asa and Scott stopped talking. They’ve both been miserable since. And I’m miserable right alongside them. Honestly, my heart broke and continued to break when Scott returned. For both of them. Scott may have left, but he broke his own heart in the process. I’m still a little annoyed with Asa’s son Beau. He knew something had happened, and still he forced Asa and Scott together. It was clear Asa was tortured by the idea of Scott coming to work there, and yet he bullied him into it anyway.  The tension! So much tension! Hurt, love, sexual tension - it was all there in spades. I’ve never cheered so much for two guys to find a way. And of course, narrator Darcy Sta...